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The MFJF Blog

MFJF’s own writing, for people trying to get in: how the industry actually hires, what it pays, what to do on the days nothing happens, and the guides that go with it.

Latest

Newest first, everything MFJF has written.

  1. MFJF Survival Guides

    Where to Find Film Jobs in the UK

    Finding film jobs in the UK isn’t about knowing one place to look. It’s about understanding how the industry actually hires.

    2 months ago·Read it →
  2. MFJF Survival Guides

    How much will I get paid?

    Your guide to what you will earn in your first few years...

    2 months ago·Read it →
  3. The MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: The 20-a-Day Challenge

    The 20-a-Day Challenge: A Practical Strategy for Getting Film Work

    3 months ago·Read it →
  4. The MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: Avoid These Common Mistakes

    After 15 years of running MFJF here are some frequent mistakes we notice our members making. Use this list to ensure you avoid them and therefore get maximum value from your MFJF Subscription.

    3 months ago·Read it →
  5. The MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: Get a Survival Job!

    One of the practical realities of working in the film industry is that income is often inconsistent, especially in the early stages.

    4 months ago·Read it →
  6. The MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: How long does it take?

    One of the most common misconceptions about working in the film industry is that success happens quickly.

    4 months ago·Read it →

By the Part of the Industry

The rest of the feed, grouped by what each article is about. Search to cut across the groups.

On set 8

  1. Monica Kelly

    My Film Career by Monica Kelly

    Monica is working toward a career in costume. This is her career so far.

    5 months ago·Read it →
  2. Joan Retamero

    A Sound Experience

    Joan Retamero's journey into the film industry started with a short film competition, which led him to pursue his love for post-production sound earning him an award at the Cannes Film Festival.

    3 years ago·Read it →
  3. John McNally

    A Runners Guide

    Getting your first break on set can be hard - but knowing what on earth is going on is even harder! John McNally breaks down some set lingo and how to use your new best friend - the walkie!

    3 years ago·Read it →
  4. Amy Clarke

    Moving up the ladder from runner ...

    Being a runner in the film industry gives you some invaluable insight into the industry. Still, you don't want to be a runner forever.

    4 years ago·Read it →
  5. Amy Clarke

    Production Assistant CV design for Film and TV graduates

    Amy Clarke breaks down the process to creating a film graduate CV for the film industry.

    4 years ago·Read it →
  6. Amy Clark

    How to find film runner jobs

    If you are just starting out, here's a great overview of finding and getting runner work in the film industry.

    5 years ago·Read it →
  7. Georgie McGahey

    What are the runner jobs in the film industry?

    ... and more importantly, how do I get one?

    5 years ago·Read it →
  8. Georgie McGahey

    Are all the runner jobs in London?

    Do you really need to move to London to find runner jobs?

    5 years ago·Read it →

The production office 2

  1. Amy Clarke

    How to get a film industry internship

    Film production internships are a stepping stone into the film industry. It's much easier to find paid work when you have experience!

    4 years ago·Read it →
  2. Georgie McGahey

    Should I Study Film Production At Degree Level?

    With many students questioning whether the significant financial investment is worth it, will a degree in film production equip you with the necessary skills for the film industry?

    5 years ago·Read it →

Post-production and VFX 2

  1. Ellie Osborne

    Starting out in post production

    How do you make your way into post-production?

    3 years ago·Read it →
  2. Tibwa Nzapa

    A Script Editor's Journey

    The challenging role of script editor can be found in development and TV drama, both fulfilling different purposes. Want to know more about being a script editor - then read on ...

    3 years ago·Read it →

The business of film 5

  1. Ollie Davis

    My Film Career by Ollie Davis

    Ollie's ambition is to be a film producer. Here is his story...

    5 months ago·Read it →
  2. Beth Rabjohn

    Navigating the beginning of my writing career

    My name is Beth, and I am an aspiring screenwriter in the UK. I am currently at the very beginning of my career, but even getting this far has been a journey.

    1 year ago·Read it →
  3. Olivia Maiden

    My Work Experience Placement

    Hi! I’m Olivia, a 22-year-old film producer navigating the indie filmmaking world. This is my story of doing a work experience placement at Sleepwalker Studios.

    1 year ago·Read it →
  4. Shyam Popat

    Paying it forward ...

    Want to know what it takes to get your scripts seen. Shyam Popat shares his story ...

    5 years ago·Read it →
  5. Katherine Hogan

    If You Want To Make Films, Get Thee To A Festival!

    Katherine Hogan tells us why film festivals are so important, especially if you are an aspiring filmmaker.

    5 years ago·Read it →

The industry as a whole 37

  1. The MFJF Survival Guide:

    MFJF Survival Guide: Networking

    Networking is such an important part of building a career in film.

    4 months ago·Read it →
  2. The MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: The Experienced Required Catch 22

    One of the most common frustrations for people trying to enter the film industry is the requirement for experience.

    4 months ago·Read it →
  3. MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: The CV Black Hole

    Almost everyone trying to break into the film industry eventually encounters what we refer to as the ‘CV Black Hole’.

    5 months ago·Read it →
  4. Danny Rowntree

    May Filmmaker of the Month: Danny Rowntree

    MFJF's May Filmmaker of the Month is Danny Rowntree

    5 months ago·Read it →
  5. MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: Ask for Help!

    We all know that job hunting is a lonely frustrating time. So do not do it by yourself! At MFJF we offer monthly 1:1 Personal Career Advice sessions

    5 months ago·Read it →
  6. MFJF Survival Guide

    MFJF Survival Guide: Get a Plan!

    Turning that dream into a real career requires more than just skill, enthusiasm and ambition. It requires a clear plan.

    5 months ago·Read it →
  7. MFJF Survival Guide

    The MFJF Survival Guide: How to Get Into the Film Industry in the UK: Start With Proper Research

    Starting a career in the film industry can feel exciting, overwhelming and confusing all at once. Start by doing proper Research!

    5 months ago·Read it →
  8. Yong Jun Lim

    April's Film of the Month - Lim Yong Jun’s “Ashes in Sun”

    MFJF's April Film of the Month is Lim Yong Jun’s “Ashes in Sun”.

    6 months ago·Read it →
  9. Megan McDonagh

    April's Filmmaker of the Month - Megan McDonagh

    April's Filmmaker of the Month is Megan McDonagh.

    6 months ago·Read it →
  10. MFJF

    March Opportunities for UK-based emerging filmmakers, crew and creatives

    The latest labs, training schemes, funds and competitions.

    7 months ago·Read it →
  11. MFJF

    February Opportunities for UK-based emerging filmmakers, crew and creatives

    The latest labs, training schemes, funds and competitions.

    8 months ago·Read it →
  12. Solomon Howard

    October - MFJF Filmmaker of the Month - Solomon Howard

    October 2025 - MFJF Filmmaker of the Month - Solomon Howard

    1 year ago·Read it →
  13. George Carter

    Film of the Month - George Carter's 'Golden Years'

    Watch George Carter's fantastic 'Golden Years' - our September Film of the Month!

    1 year ago·Read it →
  14. Elisha Assaf

    August 2025 - Filmmaker of the Month - Elisha Assaf

    MFJF Filmmaker of the Month for August 2025 is Elisha Assaf

    1 year ago·Read it →
  15. James Crafford

    July 2025 - MFJF Film of the Month - James Crafford's 'Bonedry'

    July 2025 - MFJF Film of the Month - James Crafford's 'Bonedry'

    1 year ago·Read it →
  16. Lauren Greer

    June 2025 MFJF Filmmaker of the Month is Lauren Greer

    June 2025 MFJF Filmmaker of the Month

    1 year ago·Read it →
  17. Rene Bangura

    Film of the Month - Rene Bangura's 'Hello Future Me'

    June 2025's Film of the Month - Rene Bangura's 'Hello Future Me'

    1 year ago·Read it →
  18. Will Chen

    May 2025 Filmmaker of the Month - Will Chen

    May 2025's Filmmaker of the Month is Will Chen!

    1 year ago·Read it →
  19. Jun Chew

    April 2025 - Filmmaker of the Month - Jun Chew

    April 2025's Filmmaker of the Month is Jun Chew!

    1 year ago·Read it →
  20. MFJF

    January Filmmaker of the Month - Louis Hopper

    Louis Hopper is our filmmaker of the Month for January!

    1 year ago·Read it →
  21. MFJF

    December Filmmaker of the Month - Piotr Wysoczanski

    Piotr Wysoczanski is our filmmaker of the Month for December!

    1 year ago·Read it →
  22. Anu Boparai

    October Filmmaker of the Month - Anu Boparai

    Anu Bopari is our filmmaker of the Month for October!

    2 years ago·Read it →
  23. Claire Matthews

    September Filmmaker of the Month - Claire Matthews

    Claire Matthews is our filmmaker of the Month for September!

    2 years ago·Read it →
  24. Harry Woods

    July Filmmaker of the Month - Harry Woods

    Harry Woods is our filmmaker of the Month for August!

    2 years ago·Read it →
  25. Kiran Mensah

    July Filmmaker of the Month - Kiran Mensah

    Kiran Mensah is our filmmaker of the Month for July!

    2 years ago·Read it →
  26. Jay Manari

    June Filmmaker of the Month - Jay Manari

    Jay Manari is the MFJF Filmmaker of the Month for June 2024. Read on to learn about his career so far...

    2 years ago·Read it →
  27. Ella Muir

    March Filmmaker of the Month - Ella Muir

    Ella Muir is the MFJF Filmmaker of the Month for March 2024. Read on to learn about her career so far...

    2 years ago·Read it →
  28. Cian O'Leary

    Be Open To Opportunities

    Accepting opportunities that come your way is a must when you are trying to break into the film industry - here's why...

    3 years ago·Read it →
  29. Dávid Bodrogi

    A Guide On How To Make our First Short Film

    How go you make a start on making a short film?

    3 years ago·Read it →
  30. Charlotte Sorrell

    'Working in Film: The Ultimate Career Change'

    Want to know how to change your career to one in the film industry - then read on.

    3 years ago·Read it →
  31. Tolu Stedford

    It's National Careers Week!

    Tolu Stedford, CEO of the Independent Film Trust, sheds some light on her experience breaking into the industry and the challenges young people face today as they break into film.

    4 years ago·Read it →
  32. Georgie McGahey

    Tips on finding work in the film industry ...

    Don't know where to start? Then read our quick tips and tricks so you can make your plan to break into the film industry!

    4 years ago·Read it →
  33. Amy Clarke

    Which filmmaking course should I choose?

    Filmmaking courses are a great way to build your knowledge and gain new skills. These are some great courses starting in 2022!

    4 years ago·Read it →
  34. Georgie McGahey

    Want to be self-employed ... here's where to start!

    Knowing where to start can be hard, so here are some useful tips and links to get your career 2022 off to a flying start!

    4 years ago·Read it →
  35. Georgie McGahey

    Setting your goals in 2022

    What are your goals going to be in 2022?

    4 years ago·Read it →
  36. Gregg Mira

    How I broke into the film industry ...

    Gregg decided to move into the film industry from events management in October 2020. This is how he went from zero experience to a phone full of contacts ...

    5 years ago·Read it →
  37. Georgie McGahey

    Research - The Key To A Foot On The Ladder

    If you want to break into the film industry you should be developing your researching skills from day one. So, why is research so important?

    5 years ago·Read it →
UK Film Industry Trainee Schemes →The paid schemes and traineeships that take people with no credits - and whether each one is open.Competitions, festivals and funds →Everything with a deadline still to come, by what it is for.Latest industry news →What the trade press is reporting, read live from their own feeds.Industry Essentials →The books, blogs, websites and bodies worth knowing, department by department.

All of MFJF’s blog posts →

You are not doing this alone

You have your own personal career mentor

That is us, the MFJF team. Book an MFJF Mentor Session with us every month: we guide you through this journey and answer all your questions, from which job is yours to your CV and your next application.

Book my MFJF Mentor Session

Where next

Your recommended next steps

Picked for this page. Signed in, they follow your stage and the roles your answers point to. See your whole MFJF journey, step by step →

  1. My MFJF JourneyOne page for everything MFJF has built, in the order you need it.
  2. My Reading ListThe books, blogs and bodies you have saved, in one place.
  3. Career Matcher - find your perfect career!Eight questions, then three roles with the reasons.
  4. MFJF FoundationsTwo-hour Stage 1 courses, one for every entry-level area.
  5. Get on the HotListPut yourself in front of productions looking for crew.
  6. Join MFJF DayPlayersDay work on productions for crew with the credits and the skills.
  7. Find your role in the career plannersEvery entry-level job by department, with a three-stage planner for each.
  8. Read the career guidesWhat each job is, the day, the way in and the pay: one guide for every role.
  9. See how it all fits on the career maps17 maps of how films get made: the people, the process and the departments.
  10. Who works whereEvery department on a shoot and every kind of film company: who is in each and what they do.
  11. Industry EssentialsThe books, industry bodies, websites and blogs worth knowing, department by department.
  12. Read the MFJF Survival GuidesStraight answers to what everyone starting out asks: how long it takes, what you get paid, and what to do every day.
  13. MFJF Academy workshopsLive sessions with people who do the job, and the monthly career clinic.
  14. Build your CV with the CV BuilderThe industry's format, built from your profile and your current CV.

Live right now

Live from the job board, the Academy, the mentor programme, the Industry Essentials, Industry News and the competitions open now.

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